Wheel scrubbing apparatus



DCC- 31, 1935. G. L. Rosi-:BROOK WHEEL SCRUBBING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. l2, 1951 wm QM @NN NN ,Q Q MN R. Y M; M N LMMMN o NWM Il' ww N MIN. NN .NWN 1 a i+ l W WSA/U v AN gru/vento@ Dec. 31, 1935. c. 1.. RosEBRooK 2,025,780

WHEEL SCRUBBING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1931 s sheets-sheet 2 De 31, 1935- G; L. RosEBRooK WHEEL SCRUBBI'NG' APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. l2, 1951 Dec. 31, 1935. G. L. RosEBRooK 2,025,780

WHEEL scRUBBING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1951 8 sheets-sheet 4 lumefntoz Dc. 31, 1935. A Q L RQSEBRQQKl 2,025,780

WHEEL SCRUBBING APPARATUS Filed Dec. l2, 1931 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 irl Dec. 31, 1935. v G, L ROSEBROOK 27,025,780

WHEEL scRUING APPARATUS Filed Dec. l2, 1951 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 (7 ffmc-9 f6 Z ./zf Y@ @L @6 |101 100 126 *E /50 IC() j mm1 of,

Dec. 31, 1935.

G. L. ROSEBROOK WHEEL SCRUBBING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed DGO. 12, 1931 Dec. 31, 1935. G. 1 I RQSEBROQK 2,025,780

n WHEIIL SCRUBBING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1951 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Dec. 3l, 1935 UNITED` STATES PATENT OFFICE Application December 12, 1931, Serial No. 580,529

11 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in the cleaning. of vehicles. More particularly it relates to an improved method and apparatus for wash- 4ing automotive vehicles.

It is an object of this invention to mechanically brush and wash the chassis of a vehicle;

It is a further object to devise an improved apparatus for cleaning the wheels of a vehicle;

Another object is to mechanically wash and dry the top o f a vehicle; Y

Still another object is to clean a vehicle by a combination of manual and mechanical cleaning steps;

A'further object is to clean the top and the under surfaces of a vehicle mechanically.

Other objects will be apparent from the speciilcation and from the accompanying drawings in which latter:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the device with parts broken away;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the device showing an automobile in process of being cleaned;

Fig. 3 is a. transverse sectional the line III-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view on an enlarged scale with parts broken away of the chassis cleaning mechanism; I

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the chassis cleaning mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the top cleaning mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the top cleaning mechanism and the top drying mechamsm;

Fig. 8 is an end elevational view with parts broken away of the top cleaning mechanism;

Figs. 9 to 16 inclusive are diagrammatic views in perspective with parts broken away of the outside wheel washing mechanism, showing step by step the successive positions of the parts of the mechanism during the operation of washing a vehicle wheel;

Fig. 17 is a top plan view with parts broken away of the outside wheel washing mechanism and showing the brushes in withdrawn position and a vehicle wheel in position to engage the mechanism;

Fig. 18 is an end elevational view of the outside wheel washing mechanism as viewed from the bottom of Fig. 17 with parts broken away;

view taken along Fig. 19 is a side elevational View of the outside wheel washing mechanism as viewed from the left of Fig. 17 showing the brush unit in retracted position and with respect to the vehicle wheel;

` the tubular brush housing Fig. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line XX-XX of Fig. 17, and showing the brush unit in its outer position against the vehicle wheel;

Fig. 21 is a transverse sectional view taken 5 along the line XXI-XXI of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is 'a transverse sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII of." Fig. 19;

Fig. 23 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXIII of Fig. 19;

Fig. 24 is a transverse sectional view taken along the lineXXIV-XXIV of Fig. 17

Fig- 25 is a detailed side elevational view of arm;

Fig. 26 is a transverse sectional along the line XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 25;

Fig. 27 is a detailed side elevational view of the supporting bracket for the cylindrical cam drum;

Fig. 28 is a top plan view of the supporting 20 bracket;

Fig. 28a is `a. bracket;

Fig. 29 is a bracket; 25 Fig. 30 is a detailed view on an enlarged scale ofthe cylindrical cam drum X showing the portion of the camway for forwarding and retracting the brush unit;

Fig. 31 is a transverse sectional view through 30 the cylindrical cam drum X taken along the line XXXI-XM of Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 is a longitudinal sectional view through a portion of the cylindrical cam drum X showing the camway for withdrawing the stop roller 35 mechanism; 1

Fig. 33 is a longitudinal sectional view through the outside wheel washing mechanism taken along the line XXXIII-XXXIII of Fig. 17;

Fig. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view of the 40 tubular hub of the brush spindle housing;

Fig. 35 is a side elevational view with parts broken away of the outside wheel washing mechanism as viewed from the right in Fig. 17; and

Fig. 36 is a side elevational detail view of the 45 slide bracket and associated parts.

Referring to the drawings and particularly Figs. 1, 2 and 3, reference letter A designates an endless belt conveyor which is adapted to carry a vehicle such as a' car orl automobile B into 50 position to be subjected to the cleaning operations. The chassis of the vehicle is subjected to the cleaning actionyof a rotary brush unit C saturated with cleaning solution as the vehicle is carried on by the conveyor. Similarly the top of 55 side view of the supporting perspective view of the supporting view taken 15 the vehicle is subjected to the cleaning action of a rotary brush unit D.- Upon further travel of the vehicle B with the conveyor, the forward movement of the vehicle B with respect to the conveyor is intermittently stopped to permit the front and rear wheels of the vehicle to be successively engaged and Washed by the brush units E and Fwhich engage the exterior of the wheels. and by the brush units G which engage the inner surface of the wheels. Preferably all of the foregoing brush units are saturated with cleaning solution. The cleaning is accomplished by contact of the brush bristles with the vehicle surfaces and by the pressure spray of the cleaning solution. Further travel of the vehicle` B with the conveyor brings the vehicle into contact with a. brush unit H for drying the top of the vehicle. The vehicle is then delivered from the conveyor to a suitable place of disposal not shown.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the conveyor A includes the spaced members or sections I which are suitably supported on rollers 2 in a framework 3. The rollers are driven in rotation by means of a motor 4 through a. belt 5 the power being transmitted to a main sprocket shaft 6. A runway 1 leads to the conveyor. The sprocket shaft 6 is provided with a beveled gear S'through which power is transmitted to a spur gear I0, mounted on a shaft II. Shaft II has operative connection through a `clutch device I2 with a driving shaft I3.

Chassis cleaning mechanism "C 'Iravel of the vehicle with the conveyor A brings the chassis or under surface of the vehicle B between the vehicle wheels into position to be brushed and washed by the brushes of the chassis cleaning mechanism C.. This mechanism, see Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5, comprises brushes 20 and 2| mounted as one unit and brushes 22 mounted in a second unit. Brush 22 is positioned approxi` mately on the center line of the chassis and functions to clean the oil pan, clutch housing, gear case, drive shaft, differential housing, and under side of the gas tank of the automobile. Brushes 20 and 2| are positioned on opposite sides of the center line of the chassis overlapping the brush 22 and function to clean the front and rear axles, springs, shackles and the like, muffler, battery case and under side of the gas tank and certain portions of the frame of the vehicle. vBrushes 26 and 2| are rotatably mounted upon a shaft 23 which is supported in suitable bearings located in an arm 24. The arm 24 is supported by a pipe shaft 25 for rotary movement in the housings 26 and 21. The housings 26 and 21 are carried by the frame 3. A Weight 29 is rigidly amxed to the pipe shaft 25 through an arm 36. The

weight 29 functions as a counter balance for the brush assembly to normally maintain the brush unit in elevated position to press the brushes against the chassis of the car. The degree of pressure is varied by varying the amount of the Weight. The brush 22 is supported by identically.

the same parts and like reference numerals have been applied thereto. Rotation of the brushes 26 and 2| is effected from the power shaft I3 through a clutch device 32, and train of gears 33 in gear housing 33 to drive a shaft 34, sprocket l35, chain 36 and sprocket 3l, which latter drives the brush shaft 23. Brush 22 is driven in identically the same manner from the power shaft I3 and like reference numerals have been applied to the driving parts for this brush. All moving parts of the machine except the brushes are er1--v Top cleaning mechanism D Further travel of the vehicle with the conveyor subjects the top of the vehicle to the clean- 10 ing action of the brush unit D, see Figs. 2, 6, '1 and 8. This unit comprises a rotatably mounted brush including a central section 50, and end sections 5I of progressively enlarged diameter which are supported for rotation with a shaft 52. The 15 end sections 5I are permitted end movement for vehicle bodies of different widths. Springs 53 between stop collars 54 on the shaft 52 and the end brush sections 5I press the end sections toward the central section. Shaft 52 is rotatably 20 mounted in frame arms 54' of a swinging frame which includes a hinge shaft 55. The hinge shaft 55 is rotatably carried by arms 56 which in turn a're clamped to a pipe support 51. The swinging frame is supported yieldably by means of 'a weight 25 through a cord 6I which extends around pulley wheels 62 and is attached to the swinging frame by a collar. 63.

Tle brush is driven in rotation by a motor 64 thru a sprocket 65 which in turn through a chain 30 66 drives a sprocket 61 rigidly mounted upon the brush shaft 52. A spray device 69 is positioned above the brush to play water` or the like upon the brush when desired.

The pressure of the brushI upon the top of lthe 35 y vehicle is regulated by regulating the counterbalance weights 60. The brush is set at a height slightly lower than the tops of the vehicles and the vehicles in passing strike the periphery of the brush elevating it and pass under with the brush- 40 revolving against the surfaces of the vehicle tops.

rAfter the vehicle passes, the brush drops to its original position. For open cars or cars with tops which are not adapted to this type of cleaning the brush is raised out of contact with the car by 45 means of counter-balance cable 6 I. The cable is pulled down and a cable clamp 10 is hooked Outside wheel washing mechanism The vehicle after having been subjected to the chassis washing mechanism and to the top washing mechanism is carried by the conveyor A into position to be engaged by the outside wheel washing mechanisms E and F. These machines 60 are duplicates of each other and the same reference numerals will be applied to each machine. When the front wheels of the vehicle reach a position opposite the outside wheel washing units E and F forward movement of the vehicle with 65 the conveyor is stopped for a sufficient length of time for brushes carried by the wheel washing units to engage and clean the outsides of the front wheels. Forward movement of the vehicle is then again permitted until the rear wheels of 70 the vehicles are positioned opposite the wheel washing units E and F. The vehicle rear Wheels are engaged and washed by the brushes of the units E and F while the vehicle is held stationary after which the v ehicle is released and is carried 'i5 right and a supporting hub |02, see Figs. 18,

20, 24 and 28. suitably mounted upon the body portion is a stop roller W which projects from the body portion out over the conveyor A in the path of the adjoining'wheel T of the vehicle to block further forward travel of the vehicle with the conveyor. The roller W is moved laterally slightly by the wheel of the vehicle suiciently to set the outside wheel washing unit into operation. This causes rotation of a cylindrical cam drum X which is rotatably mounted upon the hub |02. A cam |2I, see Fig. 17, upon the cylindrical cam drum X forces a brush unit Y forwardly with respect to the upright |0| a suitable distance such as eight inches into position to engage the outer surface of the wheel. The brush unit in its forward movement forces a gage roller Z forwardly a suitable distance such as twelve inches into position at the rar of the wheel. The brush unit Y is suitably supported in an oil centered position with respect to its center of gravity to pivot around its support and thereby force the gage roller laterally into contact with the rear of the wheel. This causes lateral and downward translation of the brush unit Y in accordance with the size of the wheel to permit the brushes to engage the entire outer surface of the wheel, see Fig. 20. Continued rotation of the cylindrical cam drum X after permitting the'brushes to engage and clean the wheel for a predetermined time causes a cam to withdraw the brush unit Y to its initial position out of engagement with the wheel, as in Figs. 17, 19 and 23. The brushes engage-the wheel during one or more revolutions of the wheel. The brush unit Y withdraws the gage-roller Z to its initial position laterally of the conveyor A. Further rotation of the cylindrical cam drum X causes a cam 240 upon the drum X to withdraw the stop roller W a suitable distance such as twelve inches from its position in front of the vehicle wheel thereby releasing the car and permitting the car to be carried forward with the conveyor. Upon continued rotation of the cylindrical cam drum X the stop roller W is released so that it can be pulled outwardly by a weight 241 and laterally into its initial position over the conveyor I to stop the next succeeding wheel traveling along with the conveyor. The cylindrical cam drum X thereupon disengages the clutch |24 connecting the brush unit Y with the source of power |35 and stops the mechanism.

Stop roller mechanism Travel of the vehicle with the conveyor A is stopped when the stop roller W obstructs further passage of the wheel T. As the wheel engages the stop roller it forces the stop roller in lateral pivotal movement through an arc of approximately 75 degrees to the position W' shown in dotted lines in Figs. 17 and 18 before coming to a stop. Lateral movement of the stop roller W initially actuates the cylindrical cam drum X through a portion of a revolution to automatically throw a clutch |24, see Fig. 20, connecting the mechanism with the source of power |35. The stop roller is .molmted upon a. shaft |01, see Figs. 17,

18 and 19, which in turn is supported by means of bracket |08 and slide bracket |00. Both brackets |08 and |09 are mounted upon a stop roller slide shaft ||0 which is supported at its ends by bearings III and ||2, see'Figs. 17 and 19. s 'I'he lateral movement of the stop roller effects pivotal movement of its supporting brackets |08 and |08 with the shaft |I0 as an axis. This causes partial rotation of the shaft ||0 and consequently rotation of a gear ||5, see Figs. 17 l0 and 18, on the shaft. The driving connection of gear I| with shaft ||0 is eected by meansof rollers I I6, see Fig. 22, which are vpositioned in a cam shaped slot I1 in a starting clutch ||6 rigidly carried upon the shaft ||0. The rotation of the shaft I I0 upon lateral translation of the stop roller W locks the rollers ||8 against the gear ||5 thereby rotating the gear which in turn engages gear teeth |20 upon the circumference -of the cylindrical cam drum X to rotate 20 the latter. Rotation of the cylindrical cam drum X brings the low spot of a cam |2I, see Figs. 17 and 20, projecting laterally from the periphery of the cylindrical cam drum X into position to engage a cam follower |22. 'I'his operation connects the brush unit E with the source of power in a manner to be now described. The cam follower |22 is connected pivotally to a clutch lever' |23 which in turn is connected to a clutch |24, see Figs. 20 and 21. A 30 shaft |25 is rotatably mounted in bearings |26 and |21 which are carried by the base plate |00. A driving sprocket wheel I 28 is rotatably mounted -upon the shaft |25 and carries a clutch member which is engaged by clutch member |24 after the 35 high spot of the cam |2| passes the cam follower |22. A spring |30 normally forces the clutch. members into operative engagement. Clutch member |24 is non-rotatably keyed to the shaft |25. 'I'he power is transmitted to the brush 40 cleaning unit E from the conveyor shaft I3, see Fig. 2, through the train of connections |3|, |32, |33, |34 and |35. Rotation of the shaft |25 effects rotation of the cylindrical cam drum4 X through engagement of a gear |36 with the gear 45 teeth |20. Rotation of the cylindrical cam drum by means of gear |36 causes the rollers H6, see Fig. 22, to migrate into the deeper portion of the cam groove ||1 thereby permitting idling of the gear ||5 upon the shaft H0.

Brush um't Y 'I'he brush unit Y is normally in withdrawn position from the conveyor as shown in Figs. 17-19. 'I'he brush unit is forced outwardly into 55 engagement with the vehicle wheel upon rotation 'of the cylindrical cam drum X. The brush unit comprises a housing which carries rotatably an intermediate brush |6| by means of a spindle |62 for engaging the hub of the vehicle wheel. 60 Three additional brushes |63, |64 and |65 are positioned circumferentially of the brush |6| and are supported `from the housing |60 by means -of spindles |61, |68 and |69 respectively. 'Ihe brush spindle Vhousing |60 is provided with a 65 tubular supporting hub |15 having a closed end |16, as is clearly shown in Figs. 20, 33, 34 and 35. Tubularl hub |15 is mounted for horizontal reciprocation on a tubular brush housing arm |11 which is rigidly supported from the supporting 70 hub |02 by means of a. bracket |18, see Figs. 20,

, 24, 25, 26 and 33.

'I'he brushes are driven in rotation by means of a sprocket gear |00 mounted upon the drive shaft |25 as most clearly seen at the right of Fig. 75

20. The sprocket gear drives a chain |8| and sprocket gear |82 mounted upon a shaft |83 which in turn is rotatably supported within the hub |02. Shaft |83 drives a sprocket gear |84, chain |85, sprocket gear |86, which in turn is keyed to a shaft sleeve |81, see Fig. 33, rotatably mounted within a suitable bearing in the tubular arml11. A shaft |88 is keyed within the shaft sleeve |81, see Figs. 24 and 33, for longitudinal.

reciprocating movement and in turn drives a sprocket gear |89. The shaft |88 is held rotatably in and is reciprocated longitudinally by the closed end |16. Sprocket |89 drives a chain |98 which, see Figs. 28, 24 and 33, in turn drives a sprocket gear 19| on the spindle |62 for the central brush |6|. Chain |98 similarly drives sprocket gears |93, |94 and |95 together with an idler gear |96. Sprocket gears |93, |94 and |95 rotate the brushes |631, |65 and |64 respectively. Brush |6| is normally inset with respect to brushes |63, |64 and |65 and engages the hub of the wheel to be washed.

The brush unit Y is normally maintained in Withdrawn position with respect to the Wheel of the vehicle as illustrated in Figs. 18, 19, 33 and 35. The brush unit is forced horizontally into engagement with the wheel of the vehicle, as in Fig. 20, by means of a suitable cam upon the cylindrical cam drum X. The cam aids in maintaining a brush unit in its upper position throughout all but a small portion of each rotation of the cylindrical cam drum. The cam comprises the radially` inwardly projecting rib 200, see Figs. 30, 31 and 32, which constitutes the extended portion of the cam and which extends around the periphery of the cylindrical cam drum to the points H and J where the rib inclines laterally to the apex K at the base of the cylindrical cam drum. 'Ihe apex K constitutes the low spot of the cam. A portion of the rib from H to K is offset laterally at I. A cam follower 284, see Figs. 18, 34, 33 and 35 is forced info the low spot of the cam by means of an angularly shaped projection 20| which is disposed in spaced relation to the rib 280 to form the cam grooves or guide'- ways 202 and 203. The cam follower 284 is carried by the adjacent end of the tubular hub |15 and follows the cam rib 280. At the beginning of the operation of brushing the vehicle wheel, the cam follower 284 is positioned at the low spot K of the cam whereby the brush unit Y is in withdrawn position with respect to the car wheel. Upon initial rotation of the cylindrical cam drum X and actuation of the clutch |24 the cam follower 284 is moved from its position at the apex or low spot K of the cam up the inclined camway past thel point I to the point H, thereby causing the brush spindle housing |68 to be pushed toward the wheel of the car. 'Ihe brush spindle housing |60 is held in this position throughout the rotation of the cylindrical cam drum X until the cam follower 204 reaches the point J whereupon the cam follower is drawn rearwardly down the inclined surface 283 of the camway to the low spot K thus drawing the brush spindle housing |68 away from the wheel of the car. Lateral movement of the chain |98 upon reciprocation of the brush spindle housing |60 is permitted by an elongated slot 205 in the tubular arm |11, see Figs. 25 and 33. A slot 286 in the tubular hub |15 of brush spindle housing |68 permits longitudinal reciprocating movement of the brush spindle housing with respect to the chain as shown in Figs. 20, 33 and 34.

, Brush adjusting mechanism The rotary brushes are adjustable laterally and vertically as a unit for cleaning wheels of different diameters. The brush unit is mounted for pivotal movement about the tubular brush housing 5 arm |11, see Figs. 24 and 33. The center of gravity of the brush unit is disposed to the left of the supporting hub as viewed in Fig. 24. For cleaning a wheel of relatively small diameter the brush unit is pivoted to the left and downwardly as lo shown by nght dotted unes lso' in Fig. 24 to center the brushes with respect to the wheel so that the brush |6| engages the hub of the wheel. When cleaning a wheel of relatively large diamw eter the brush unit ls pivoted upwardly and to the right as viewed in Fig. 24, whereby the brushes l are centered to clean the larger wheel. The brush unit is held in elevated position while being forced forward and retracted partly by means of the 20 cam follower 204 of the spindle housing |68 which is held in position by the cam grooves 282 and 283, see Figs. 18 and 31. Rotation of the cylindrical cam drum X forces the brush spindle housing |68 outwardly toward the wheel of the car 25 While maintaining the brush spindle housing in its upper position during the first 61A inches of its travel in the embodiment illustrated until the cam follower 284 of the brush spindle housing reaches the point I upon the cylindrical cam drum X; see Fig. 31. Meanwhile the gage roller Z has been forced forwardly and pivoted upwardly behind and against the wheel of the car by means of the following arrangement of parts, as shown in Figs. 24 and 35: A rack 2|5 secured to the hub |15 of the brush spindle housing rotates a pinion 2|6 as the housing is moved forwardly. The pinion 2|6 in turn rotates a shaft 2|'| carried in bracket 2|8. Shaft 2|1 rotates a gear 2|9 which in turn engages a rack 220 on a support 22|. The support 22| is slidably mounted upon a supporting shaft 222. The support 22| carries rotatably the gage roller Z by means of a shaft 223 and lever 223. The gage roller Z is thereforepositioned behind the car wheel when the brush unit is initially pushed forward. When the cam follower 284 reaches the point I, as in Fig. 31, the walls of the cam groove no longer support the cam follower and consequently it is permitted to drop in pivotal movement in a counterclockwise direction |68 as viewed in Fig. 24 until the gage roller Z comes in contact with the rear of the vehicle wheel. The brush spindle housing |68 is guided in its pivotal movement by means of a guide roller 225 secured thereto; see Figs. 24, 27, 28 and 29. The guide roller 225 runs in a slot 226. disposed in the upright |8|. When operating upon a wheel of relatively small size the guide roller 225 normally assumes the position indicated at P in Figs. 27 and 29, and when operating upon a relatively large sized wheel the guide roller assumes the position indicated at S in Figs. 2'7- and 29. i

As the brush spindle housing |68 drops downwardly, as in Fig. 24, it automatically raises the guide roller Z upwardly into engagement with the rear of the car wheel whereby the brushes are supported in centered position with respect to the car wheel. This elevation of the gage roller Z is effected by means of a gear segment 70 228 aixed to the tubular hub |15 of the brush spindle housing, see Figs. 24 and 34. The rack 228 engages a rotatably mounted pinion 229 which in turn engages a gear segment 238 upon a support 22|. Rotation of the tubular hub |15 75 aossfmo therefore turns the support 22| in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig.- 24, thereby bringing the gage roller against the rear of the car wheel. 'I'he brushes are therefore lowered and moved forwardly as a unit into position to engage the wheel. A gear segment 230 is rotatably mounted upon supporting arms 23| which in turn support rigidly a gear 233, see Figs. 24,

33 and 35. As the brush spindle housing |60 continues its outward movement of approximately 1%, inches in the embodiment illustrated toward the car wheel, the gear segment 230' functions as aA guide for its forward movement and the gear 233 maintains the brush spindle housing locked in its adjusted position during the brushing operation. The extended portion 200, of the cam maintains the brushes in engagement with the car wheel until the cam follower 204 reaches the position J on the cam. Further movement of the cam draws the cam follower to the right as viewed in Fig. 31, thereby lifting the brush spindle housing |60 upwardly and in pivotal movement in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 24 to its uppermost position where it is maintained while the cam follower is being drawn rearwardly tothe low spot K of the cam. Retraction of the brush spindle housing |60 simultaneously withdraws the gage roller Z from its position over the conveyor l; as in Figs. 17 and 35.

.S'top roller withdrawing mechanism The stop. roller W is now withdrawn from its position obstructing thepath of the car wheel by means of a cam 240 projecting from the periphery of the cylindrical cam drum X. 'I'he cam 240, see Figs. 23, 32 and 36, engages a cam foly lower 24| projecting from the slide bracket |09 and forces the slide bracket to the right as viewed in Fig. 19. A pinion 242 is rotatably mounted in the slide bracket |09 in engagement with a rack 243 on shaft I and in engagement also with a rack 244 on the shaft |01, see Figs. 19, 24 and 36. Stop roller W and bracket |08 are moved to the right as viewed in Fig. 19 to a position where the stop roller is disposed out of line with the vehicle wheel. The vehicle is then carried forward by the conveyor 'Ihe bracket |08 is provided with a guide roller 245 which cooperates with a slot 246, see Figs. 17 and 19, in the base plate |00 which keeps the shafts in a steady position. The stop roller W is now drawn forward into position over the conveyor and also pivoted in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 1'7, 18 and 24 by means of a weight 241 whichis suspended over a sheave 248 by means of a rope 249 which is secured to the slide bracket |09. Meanwhile the cam l2 I, see Figs. 17, 20, 21 and 30, upon the cylindrical cam drum has arrived at a position to engage the cam follower |22 shifting the clutch |24 and disconnecting the power from the mechanism.

Referring now to Figs. 9 to 16 inclusive, the successive positions of the parts of the outside wheel washing mechanism during theoperation of cleaning a wheel are illustrated. Fig. 9 shows the parts in their initial position with the conveyor A bringing the vehicle wheel T into engagement with the stop roller W. Gage roller Z is in withdrawn position with respect to the conveyor A.

Fig. 10 shows the roller W moved laterally bodily by the vehicle wheel T from dotted line to full line position thereby rotating the shaft ||0 and gear ||5 to cause rotation of the cylinvehicle wheel with the drical cam drum X in the direction indicated by the arrow. The high spot of cam |2| has been moved laterally from the cam follower |22 thereby permitting the mechanism to be driven from drive shaft I3,

Fig. 11 shows the brush unit Y at the instant of starting rotation of the cylindrical cam drum X, with the cam follower 204 at the apex K of the camway 202. The individual brushes of the brushunit are now revolving in the direction indicated by the arrow. Fig. 12 shows the brush unit Y as it is being forced forwardly towardthe cam follower 204 at an intermediate position in the camway 202.

Fig. 13 shows the brush unit Y in its outer- 15 `most position engaging the vehicle wheel and with the cam follower 204 in engagement with the high spot of the cam 200. 'Ihe gage roller Z has been moved outwardly over the conveyor A to a position behind and in engagement with the vehicle wheel, thereby centering the brush unit Y with respect to the wheel. Fig. 14 shows the mechanism for moving the gage roller Z into the position just described. The brush unit Y and gage roller Z are subsequently withdrawn to the position shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 15 shows the stop roller W in retracted position with respect to the conveyor to Apermit the vehicle wheel to be carried forward with the conveyor. The cam follower 24| which is at- 30 tached to the stop roller mechanism has traveled along the cam 240 to its end position near the base of the cylindrical cam drum. The weight 24'i'is shown in its elevated position.

Fig. 16 shows the stop roller W pulled for- 35 wardly by the weight 241 in itsk initial position ready to be engaged by another vehicle Wheel.

Mechanism for cleaning inner side of wheels At the same time that the outside wheel washing units E and F are washing the wheels of the car, the inner surfaces of the wheels are washed by the brush units G which comprise rotatably mounted brushes 260 which are carried on shafts 26| and are driven in rotation by suitable gear- 45 ing 262 through a main shaft 263 which is connected through a train of connections |32 and |3| with the drive shaft I3. These brushes run continually from the same source of power as drives the outside wheel cleaning machines. These brushes are adjustable vertically and laterally. The brush mechanism is entirely enclosed in a water tight housing 264. The brushes also engage portions of the under side of the chassis of the car. 55

Top drying mechanism After passing the wheel washing mechanism the vehicle is subjected to the action of a brush unit H for drying the top of the vehicle. The brush unit HA is identical in all respects with the rotary brush unit D for washing the top except that the drip pan and its operating mechanism are omitted and the chain sprockets have been reversed to obtain a faster speed. Like reference characters have been applied to brush unit H as were applied to brush unit D. The vehicle is carried by the conveyor to a suitable runway at the end of the conveyor where the vehicle is delivered in a clean condition. It will be understood that those parts of the vehicle which have not been mechanically washed are washed by operatives while the vehicle is in transit upon the conveyor.

Various changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims in. which it is desired to claim all novelty inherent in the invention as broadly as the prior art permits.

I claim:

1. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, comprising a belt conveyor vfor supporting a vehicle, means for actuating the conveyor, means for blocking forward movement of the vehicle upon the conveyor while permitting the vehicle wheels to be rotated by the conveyor, rotatably mounted brushes positioned opposite a wheel ofsthe vehicle when the vehicle is stationary, means for engaging the brushes with the sidesvof the rotating wheel, and means for rotating the brushes.

2. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, comprising a stop roller, means for supporting the stop roller for longitudinal reciprocating movement, a cam drum mounted for rotary movement,

`means controlled by a cam in the drum for propelling the stop roller forwardly into the path of the vehicle wheel and for withdrawing the roller from the path, a brush unit, means for supporting the brush unit for longitudinal reciprocating movement, and a cam in the drum positioned to propel the brush unit forwardly against the wheel after the stop roller has been forced forwardly and to withdraw the unit from the wheel.

3. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, comprising a stop roller, means for supporting the stop roller for longitudinal reciprocating movement, a cam drum mounted for rotary movement, means controlled by a cam in the drum for propelling the stop roller forwardly into the path of the vehicle wheel, a gauge roller, a brush unit disposed between the stop roller and the gauge roller, means for supporting the gauge roller and brush unit for longitudinal reciprocating movement, a cam in the drum in position to propel the brush unit forwardly against the wheel and the gauge roller forwardly into said path after` the stop roller has been forced forwardly, and means associated with the last mentioned sup- .porting means for effecting lateral movement of the gaugeroller and brush unit whereby the gauge roller engages the wheel and the brush unit is centered with respect to the wheel.

4. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, comprising a stop roller, means for supporting the stop roller for longitudinal reciprocating movement, a cam drum mounted for rotary movement, means controlled by a cam in the drum for propelling the stop roller forwardly into the path of the vehicle wheel, a gauge roller, a brush unit disposed between the stop roller and the gauge roller, means for supporting the gauge roller and brush unit for longitudinal reciprocating movement, a cam inthe drum in position to propel the brush unit forwardly against the wheel after the stop roller has been forced forwardly, means associated with the brush unit for propelling the gauge roller forwardly into said path and means associated with the last mentioned supportingl means for effecting lateral movement of the gauge roller and brush unit whereby .the gauge roller engages the wheel and the brush unit is centered with respect to the wheel.

5. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, comprising a stop roller, means for supporting the stop roller for longitudinal reciprocating movement, a cam drum mounted for rotary movement, means controlled by a cam inthe drum for propelling the stop roller forwardly into the path of the vehicle wheel, a. gauge rollerl a brush unit disposed between the stop roller and the gauge rollotal movement toward each other, the cam being cut away to release the brush unit and gauge 10 roller for free pivotal movement at the end of its forward stroke whereby the gauge roller pivots laterally by gravity against the wheel and the brush unit pivots laterally into centered p'osition with respect to the wheel. 15

6. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus comprising a stop roller, means for supporting the stop roller for longitudinal reciprocating movement and in off-centered position for limited pivotal 'movement about a horizontal axis, a cam drum 20 mounted for rotary movement, means controlled by a cam inthe drum for propelling the stop roller forwardly into the path of the vehicle wheel and for withdrawing the stop roller from the path, a source of power, a clutch engaged by the' roller 25 on said limited pivotal movement for connecting the source of power to actuate the drum, a brush unit, means for supporting the brush unit for longitudinal reciprocating movement, a cam in the drum positioned to propel the brush unit for- 35 wardly against the wheel after the stop roller has been forced forwardly and to withdraw the unit from the wheel, and means for returning the stop roller to its initial pivotal position.

'7. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, compris- 35 ing a belt conveyor for supporting and conveying the vehicle, means for actuating the conveyor,

a stop roller, means for supporting the stop roller for longitudinal reciprocating movement, a cam drum mounted for rotary movement, means con- 40 trolled by a cam in the drum for propelling the stop roller forwardly over the conveyor to block the vehicle wheel whereby the vehicle is held stationary and the wheel is rotated, a brush unit, means for supporting the brush unit for longitu- 45' dinal reciprocating movement, a cam in the drum positioned to propel the brush unit forwardly against the wheel after the`stop roller has blocked f the forward travel of the wheel andto withdraw the unit from the wheel, and means for rotating 50 the brushes.

8. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, comprising a conveyor yfor supporting a vehicle, means for actuating the conveyor, stop mechanism for holding a wheel in a given position longitudinally 55 of the conveyor, a brush unit including brushes -for engaging the wheel, and means set in operation by the engagement of the Wheel with the stop mechanism for actuating the brush unit.

9. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, compris- 50 ing a stop mechanism for holding a Ywheel against longitudinal travel including a `member movable laterally by the wheel, a brush unit including brushes for engaging the surface of the wheel,

a source of power, and means actuated by the 55 member on lateral movement of the member for connecting the source of power for actuating the brush unit.

10. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, comprising stop mechanism for holding a Wheel in pre- 70 determined position including a member movable laterally by the wheel, a brush unit including brushes for engaging the wheel, a source of power, means actuated by the member on lateral movement of the member for connecting the source of 75 power for actuating the brush unit, and means for withdrawing the stop mechanism from en-- gagement with the wheel.

11. Vehicle wheel cleaning apparatus, comprising stop mechanism for holding a wheel in predetermined position including a member movable laterally by the wheel, a brush unit including brushes for engaging the wheel, a source of GUY LYNN ROSEBROOK. 

